February 21, 2025 – Merced, CA – Merced Police Department officials report that on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, the Merced Police Department began investigating an allegation of a possible sexual assault that occurred at El Capitan High School between a staff member and a student. The investigation was initiated after a report was made by the Merced Unified High School District regarding the incident.

Throughout the investigation, Merced Police Detectives identified John Mobley III, age 34, as the suspect. Mobley was employed as an Intervention Coordinator at El Capitan High School since August of 2024. Detectives located Mobley and took him into custody. He was subsequently booked into the Merced County Jail on charges including statutory rape and various other related charges.

The case is currently under investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. The Merced Police Department is urging anyone in the community with further information regarding this case to come forward. The Merced Unified High School District is working alongside the Merced Police Department during this investigation.

The Merced Police Department takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety of our community.

Case Number: 2025-9191

Call for Public Assistance

If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Merced Police Department at 209-385-6905, or Detective Calcagno directly at 209-769-8885.

Source: Merced Police Department